Australian architecture studio <a href="http://www.mo-do.net/" target="_blank">M.O.D.O (Michael Ong Design Office)</a> designed this brilliant home which surrounds a central landscaped backyard in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberfeldie,_Victoria" target="_blank">Aberfeldie, Victoria</a>. Dubbed Hans-house, the project offers a living area where residents can move freely and easily between the internal and external spaces. The garden is thus a primary component of the design and has a strong presence at the heart of the structure - the open area creates a fluid space that connects the rooms.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

The living room opens out onto the backyard.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

The living room opens out onto the backyard, which is separated by a large glass sliding door and a step which doubles as a timber-clad seat for the family to use.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

As the space has a lot of solar access in summer months, the studio created an area that could be protected from the sun using curtains.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

The curtains also help contain heat in the winter.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

A timber box rests atop the ground floor, giving the home a cool angular shape.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

The backyard turns into a small courtyard towards the east of the site, and a raised deck helps to delineate two different zones.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

The courtyard is largely sheltered from the summer sun by a wall to the north and the upper floors.

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Hans-House by M.O.D.O

Australian architecture studio M.O.D.O (Michael Ong Design Office) designed this brilliant home which surrounds a central landscaped backyard in Aberfeldie, Victoria. Dubbed Hans-house, the project offers a living area where residents can move freely and easily between the internal and external spaces. The garden is thus a primary component of the design and has a strong presence at the heart of the structure - the open area creates a fluid space that connects the rooms.